Every year in the UK over 19,000 cyclists are involved in accidents. Most of these accidents could be avoided if cyclists were easier for drivers to spot on roads, i.e. if they stood out more – especially at night.
In a bid to make road cycling safer, Swedish car manufacturer Volvo unveiled an ultra-reflective safety spray paint, called LifePaint, that cyclists can apply to their bikes and clothes, making them stand out when it is dark.
The spray, which dries transparent, won’t affect the material it comes in contact with and can easily be washed off.
You can also spray LifePaint onto pushchairs, backpacks, dog collars, and several other items to make them more visible in darker environments.
Volvo partnered with the advertising agency GreyLondon to develop the spray paint.
It is a cheaper alternative to other safety equipment for cyclists, such as a helmet that Volvo developed to warn cyclists about a possible collision.
LifePaint will be sold in six shops across London and Kent. If the product catches on then it will be rolled out across the nation.
The company said:
“Volvo Cars presents LifePain. Road safety shouldn’t be for the few. It should be for everyone. The ones not driving our cars, and the ones who prefer two wheels to four.”
“LifePaint is a unique relfective safety spray. Invisible by daylight, it glows brightly in the glare of headlights. Making the invisible, visible. LifePaint washed off, and will not affect the colour or surface of your chosen material, lasting for approximately one week after application.
“Though designed for safer cycling, LifePaint can be used in all sorts of ways. Applies to clothes, shoes, and helmets, pushchairs and children’s backpacks – even dog leads and collars.”
Video – Volvo Cars presents LifePaint